But he hadn't forgotten. She had consumed his every waking thought for the past six months. He often wondered if she thought about him nearly a fraction of the amount that he thought about her.

He had spent the past six months building his brand and consulting with his team for his victory tour wardrobe. Like his uncle before, the games had given him an in every where. People wanted to do business with a victor. He wondered what Katniss had done with her fame.

Cato smiled as the train pulled into District 11. She would already be here waiting. Her team had been sent to prepare her and bring her here where they would give their victory speeches. Then they would all leave on this train to go to District 10. He glanced back and smiled at the box that rested on the bed.

He hoped she liked his welcome gift. It hadn't struck him to get her one since technically this wasn't his train until he was passing the shop on the way to meet his mother for coffee. It fit the mannequin terribly, but he knew on her it would be other worldly. It reminded him of the very first time he had laid eyes on her.

He had been too stubborn then to admit what he was feeling. Desire. Envy. Lust. He was being shown up. A volunteer from District 2 was being shown up from some backwater tributes from District 12, but she had been regal in her chariot. The Girl on Fire. Had she not been a competitor, he would have sought her out and made a claim. Seeing how she was, he could allow himself nothing but the urge to destroy her and the boy who was claiming what he could not.

But that was months ago. Now he would have time with her to prove that he was a good match for her. He had proven in the arena that he would be a good protector. Even without his family's money, he was a good provider. In the past 6 months, he had built his business interests. He wasn't even sure what her interests were, but he knew that she would never have to work.

He had known going into the shop that it would make him late for coffee, which would upset his mother. He had done it anyhow. Then, when he had arrived to discover she had brought her current projects with her, he was glad he had done it. They had fawned all over him and shown him the proper amount of attention to clearly display that they were interested in marrying a victor. He was not the least bit interested.

Cato was his normal charming self. Had they been in District 2, people would have been falling all over his words. In District 11, they mirrored the weather. Gray cloudly skies with the threat of a down pour. He had heard there were rumblings in the District of late, which would explain all of the extra peace keepers that had been brought in. He had overheard Effie telling Katniss to just stick to her cards.

She hadn't said one word to him. He had smiled at her and said hello. In return, she had ignored him. Her hands were trembling as she read from the cards.

She looked up from her cards into the crowd. Cato's concern grew as he watched her set the cards down, knowing she was about to do something wreckless and without any thought.

"I didn't know Tresh very well. He was a quiet giant. The determination and kindness he displayed tells me he was a good man. Rue was quiet, humble, and adventurous. She would have been a good story teller one day. They were citizens that we could all be proud of. For the good of Panem, we should all strive to be citizens like Tresh and Rue."

Effie quickly rushed forward, "Ladies and gentlemen, the Victors of the 74th Hunger Games."

The crowd slowly began to clap, and it built momentum. Katniss knew that they were forced to clap. She had been in the crowd enough times to know what was expected during one of these speeches. What Cato realized that she did not was they were actually clapping for her. She had said something that they liked, and in the midst of their reminded grief, she had said something that resonated with them.

They boarded the train, and the newcomers were given their room assignments.

"I think that went well enough." Brutus said, clapping his hands together before rubbing them. "We'll meet in the dining car in 10 minutes for a round of drinks."

Cato had been the last one to arrive to the car. He had been busy paying a peacekeeper to deliver the present to Katniss' room.

"There you are. We've been waiting on you." Cato looked past Brutus' shoulder to see a white envelope addressed to both him and Katniss propped up on the table. He took it and opened it before reading it out loud.

Congratulations on completing the first stop of your tour. This tour will be different from all previous victory tours. If you have not yet noticed, there are cameras throughout the train. Your whole journey in addition to your speeches will be televised.

May the odds be ever in your favor,

President Rockinbottom

A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed and is following